Observing Cubans residing in dilapidated huts that have stood for over six decades—similar to those used to depict poverty prior to 1959—raises a critical question: What has the Revolution truly accomplished for these people over all these years? How have their lives improved? Beyond the slogans and empty rhetoric, the reality is stark: the people who now air out their worn-out mattresses on the streets are living in worse conditions than before.
The continuation of Díaz-Canel's leadership has only deepened the poverty in Cuba. The devastation wrought by Hurricane Melissa in the eastern part of the country has laid bare a population in utter destitution. The inability to recover is not just due to the hurricane's destruction but is compounded by over 60 years of relentless impoverishment. This is the result of policies solely designed to maintain power and uphold a socialist doctrine that has brought nothing but hardship worldwide.
Images of scattered cotton mattresses along roads evoke not only pity for the damaged bedding but also for the state of poverty it represented even before the hurricane struck. Such mattresses, reminiscent of those found in a World War I military barracks, should never be part of any 21st-century home.
In these huts reside doctors, teachers, engineers, workers, and farmers who, elsewhere in the world, could lead dignified lives with salaries sufficient to meet basic needs. They could have secure, clean homes and access to modern healthcare systems. It is unacceptable for Cubans to continue living in unsanitary huts after 60 years of a "revolution for the humble."
Despite years of hollow slogans, some Cubans still hope for government assistance following the latest hurricane crisis. They have forgotten that those impacted by previous storms are still waiting for aid. It remains incomprehensible to them that nothing can be expected from the Cuban government.
Yet, there is a glimmer of hope. A segment of the Cuban population has awakened and orchestrated an unprecedented humanitarian relief effort. This aid is freely given, driven by the generosity of thousands of Cubans both abroad and on the island, as well as churches, small businesses, companies, and NGOs—organizations that the government refuses to legalize. This assistance has reached places the government could not, delivering thousands of food boxes while officials merely talk about selling a few vegetables. It has been achieved despite governmental opposition and obstruction.
Due to this aid, affected Cubans now sleep on new mattresses and have received hot meals. This situation underscores a simple truth: the only thing Cubans need from their government is for it to step aside. Without its interference, Cubans could be more prosperous and unleash the potential that has been stifled for far too long.
Understanding Cuba's Structural Poverty
How did Hurricane Melissa highlight Cuba's poverty issues?
Hurricane Melissa exposed the deep-rooted poverty in Cuba by showing the inability of many Cubans to recover from its destruction. This was not only due to the hurricane's impact but also because of decades of economic decline and neglect.
What role did the Cuban government play in the ongoing poverty?
The Cuban government has contributed to the persistent poverty through policies focused on maintaining power and enforcing socialist doctrines, rather than addressing the people's needs and improving living conditions.
How are Cubans helping each other in the face of government inaction?
In response to government inaction, Cubans have organized a significant humanitarian aid effort, involving contributions from individuals abroad and within Cuba, as well as churches and NGOs. This aid has reached areas neglected by the authorities.